Posted!

Join the Conversation

Comments

Welcome to our new and improved comments, which are for subscribers only.
This is a test to see whether we can improve the experience for you.
You do not need a Facebook profile to participate.

You will need to register before adding a comment.
Typed comments will be lost if you are not logged in.

Please be polite.
It's OK to disagree with someone's ideas, but personal attacks, insults, threats, hate speech, advocating violence and other violations can result in a ban.
If you see comments in violation of our community guidelines, please report them.

Grizzlies' final win before All-Star break shows how team has exceeded expectations

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant looks through the goggles after dishing out an assist against the Portland Trail blazers during their game at the FedExForum on Wednesday, February 12, 2020. Joe Rondone/The Commercial Appeal

Memphis Grizzlies center Jonas Valanciunas defends Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard on a drive to the hoop during their game at the FedExForum on Wednesday, February 12, 2020. Joe Rondone/The Commercial Appeal

Former Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen looks over at Ja Morant through the goggles after he dished out an assist against the Portland Trail blazers during their game at the FedExForum on Wednesday, February 12, 2020. Joe Rondone/The Commercial Appeal

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant looks through the goggles after dishing out an assist against the Portland Trail Blazers during their game at the FedExForum on Wednesday, February 12, 2020. Joe Rondone/The Commercial Appeal

Memphis Grizzlies Jaren Jackson Jr. is stripped of the ball by Portland Trail Blazers forward Carmelo Anthony during their game at the FedExForum on Wednesday, February 12, 2020. Joe Rondone/The Commercial Appeal

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant high-fives fans as he leaves the court after their 111-104 win over the Portland Trail Blazers at the FedExForum on Wednesday, February 12, 2020. Joe Rondone/The Commercial Appeal

Yet at 28-26, here the Grizzlies are after their biggest regular season win in three seasons. They've officially exceeded expectations after several betting sites had their over/under win total at 26.5 wins (DraftKings) or 27.5 (BetMGM).

“Obviously, people thought that we wouldn’t be here now or we wouldn’t have as many wins as we do now so I’m really grateful that we’ve been able to build to the point that we’re at now,” forward Brandon Clarke said. “I’m really looking forward to building more and getting better.”

Clarke had a game-high 27 points off the bench on 10-for-12 shooting to go with six rebounds and two steals. It nearly overshadowed fellow rookie Ja Morant, who wore a headband for the first time this season and came out aggressive in the half.

Morant, who was introduced as “Headband 12” before the game, assisted on five consecutive Grizzlies baskets in the second quarter. He had consecutive alley-oop passes to Gorgui Dieng and Clarke while flashing his now-famous “goggles” gesture after every flashy pass.

He finished with nine assists, seven by halftime, to go with 20 points before he, Clarke and Jaren Jackson Jr. will represent the team at Friday’s NBA Rising Stars Challenge.

After a January defined by offensive efficiency, the Grizzlies' defense has picked up in February during this 4-1 start. They lead the NBA in defensive rating (99.2 points allowed per 100 possessions) for the month despite being last in offensive rating (105 points scored per 100 possessions).

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant looks through the goggles after dishing out an assist against the Portland Trail Blazers during their game at the FedExForum on Wednesday, February 12, 2020.(Photo: Joe Rondone/The Commercial Appeal)

Jaren Jackson Jr. and Dillon Brooks combined to shoot 5-for-22 Wednesday but they made up for it with their defense. Jackson had three blocks and Brooks, along with De’Anthony Melton, helped force Trail Blazers All-Star guard Damian Lillard into a tough shooting night.

Lillard was 7-for-19 shooting with 20 points before leaving with a right groin strain with 3:22 remaining in the fourth quarter. CJ McCollum, a Grizzlies killer the last few seasons, shot 9-for-25 with 23 points, his lowest point total in his last seven games in Memphis.

“Our defensive activity was at an all-time high for that game going into break. That was great momentum,” Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said. “I just keep challenging our guys to find a way come post All-Star break to keep getting better one day at a time.”

Through 54 games, the Grizzlies created a new energy at FedExForum that’s both entertaining and contagious. It now must carry over after the break where they’ll play 16 of their final 28 games on the road, including a four-game road trip starting next Thursday after the NBA All-Star game.

For now, their fans’ final home memory until Feb. 28 will be Clarke flying around for alley-oop dunks and Morant flashing his gesture after every fancy assist.

With Allen making goggles with his own hands at one point, it’s another reminder the next generation of Grizzlies basketball has captured the city’s attention as they continue a playoff push few expected.

Want to stay informed on the latest Memphis Grizzlies news? A Commercial Appeal subscription gets you unlimited access to the best inside information and updates on local preps sports, and the ability to tap into sports news from throughout the USA TODAY Network's 109 local sites.

You can reach Evan Barnes on Twitter (@Evan_B) or by email at evan.barnes@commercialappeal.com